The gift that covid gave us was normalizing micro-weddings & elopements! I’m all for a full-blown big wedding party, but there are advantages to a smaller celebration of love. At the top of that list, is location! When you aren’t having to accommodate more than yourselves, and maybe a few close loved ones, you suddenly realize that the sky’s the limit for your vow exchange. National Parks are protected for a reason. They are all breath-taking, unique, magnificent landscapes that can help visually tell the magnitude of your love-story. I see the location of your intimate ceremony as a reflection of the epic life chapter that you are embarking on, a symbol of the adventures ahead. One of my favorite and easily accessible backdrops to promise your heart to another soul is, naturally, Grand Teton National Park! Read on for my top National Park Elopement planning tips-
Beyond your physical presence, there are more details to consider when planning your getaway nuptuals. Lodging, florals, meals, hair/make-up, that antique bracelet from your grandmother- all the little details are things I’m happy to work with you to incorporate and find vendors you’ll love in whichever place your love takes you to. Attention to these details will provide meaningful little highlights to help you remember the day. I particularly recommend Historia Florals who serve ID, UT, and WY for dreamy flower arrangements that will shine in your photos.
Airbnbs a great way to find a private escape nestled in the mountains. I’ve stayed in a few in the area, and am happy to recommend! Something to keep in mind with your lodging, is that you can use that space to capture getting ready photos, pre- or post-ceremony champagne pops and snuggles, or even an easy boudoir sesh to gift to your partner as a wedding present- model alone, or together as a couple for uniquely intimate images that capture your connection!
Just because you are eloping or hosting a micro-wedding, whether in your hometown or an exotic destination wedding, doesn’t mean you can’t highlight the details! You can still send out your announcement of marriage and have that captured on your day as well! It makes for an important story-telling component when you consider how your photos will live cohesively in an album someday.
Probably one of the biggest pain points I hear from my clients is location permits. It takes research, and requires attention in advance for applications/reservations. It usually involves a use fee and permit for photography. Every National Park requires a fee for weddings (even elopements!) But I hear ya, and I’m here to help! So send me the areas you’re considering, I’ll do some legwork for you, so you don’t have to carry the burden. You can get a headstart by searching your desired park here. We’ll make sure all the ducks are in a row for a smooth, seamless, simple and swoon-worthy day.
Keep in mind these tips are all pointers from my experience, but this is about celebrating you. You call the shots, I’ll bring my gear, and we’ll create + capture the magic of your love together! Your story will be captured timelessly on both film and digital wedding photography for images as unique as your love.
